Multi-purpose spray guard attachment for spray nozzles



v. R. O'BRIEN 2,807,816

MULTI-PURPOSE SPRAY GUARD ATTACHMENT FOR SPRAY NOZZLES Oct. 1, 1957 File; Jan. 16, 1952 2,807,816 Patented Oct. 1, 1957 MULTI-PURPOSE SPRAY GUARD ATTACHMENT FOR SPRAY NOZZLES Vincent R. OBrien, St. Paul, Minn., assignor to Fastee Products, Inc., St. Paul, Minn., a corporation of Minnesota Application January 16, 1952, Serial No. 266,7ll

8 Claims. (Cl. 15-129) This invention relates to spray guards for use in conjunction with spray nozzles of the type that are used on kitchen sinks. More particularly, it relates to spray guards adapted to be mounted on such a spray nozzle in enveloping relation for the purpose of adapting the spray nozzle for effective cleaning operations as well as for rinsing without attendant splashing.

It is a general object of my invention to provide a novel and improved spray guard for sink spray nozzles of cheap and simple construction and efficient operation.

A more specific object is to provide a novel and improved spray guard for sink spray nozzles adapted to effectively clean surfaces through combinative action with the spray of water emanating from the nozzle.

Another object is to provide a spray guard for sink spray nozzles constructed to automatically and slowly furnish a supply of detergent to the interior of the guard for mixing with the water discharged from the nozzle to facilitate the cleansing of surfaces thereby.

Another object is to provide a spray guard for sink spray nozzles constructed to provide a supply of detergent to the interior of the guard in the amount and at the times desired for mixing the same with the Water discharged from the nozzle.

Another object is to provide a spray guard for sink spray nozzles constructed to provide a supply of detergent to the interior of the guard when and in the amounts desired and having a brush associated therewith and strategically positioned for use in combination therewith to facilitate the cleansing operation.

These and other objects and advantages of my invention will more fully appear from the following description made in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views, and in which:

Fig. l is a side elevational view of one embodiment of my invention mounted in position for use upon a sink spray nozzle;

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view through theguard shown in Fig. l, the view being taken somewhat parallel to the arm on the valve of the nozzle;

Fig. 3 is a bottom elevational view of the same with a small portion thereof broken away to show the interior;

Fig. 4 is a rear elevational view of one embodiment of my invention with the nozzle removed therefrom;

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view of a second embodiment of my invention taken while the guard is mounted in position for use on a spray nozzle; and

Fig. 6 is a bottom elevational view of the same.

One embodiment may include, as shown in Figs. 1-4, a tubular member indicated generally as 10 made of resilient, water-resistant material such as pliable rubber. This tubular member 10 has an upper inner wall portion 11 which is adapted to fitaround the sink spray nozzle indicated generally as N in close-fitting, surround-v ing relation. The upper portion 11 of the inner wall is shaped to conform with the shape of the nozzle N as is best shown in Fig. 2. The upper portion 11 of the inner wall extends closely adjacent to the discharge outlet 12 of the spray nozzle and then extends outwardly upwardly and downwardly again terminating adjacent the plate 25. As best shown in Fig. 2, this upper inner wall portion closely surrounds the spraying mechanism 13 of the nozzle, the nozzle N terminating at the discharge outlet 12. I

As best shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4, the wall of the tubular member 10 flares outwardly at its lower portion. The lower inner wall portion 14 has an annular groove 15 formed therein. If desired, an inwardly extending shoulder 16 may be provided immediately above the groove 15. Also formed through the upper portion of the wall of the tubular'member is a filler opening 17 provided with a stop plug 18 which fits within the opening in snug-fitting relation. Secured to the upper rear portion of the tubular member 10 by a pair of elastic strips 19 is an arcuately-shaped piece of rubber 20 adapted to cooperate with the recessed portion 21 of the tubular member to receive therein the conduit 22 of the nozzle N. As best shown in Figs. 1 and 2 this arcuately-shaped member 20 surrounds the conduit 7 22 immediately behind the valve arm 23 of the nozzle. The elastic strips 19 permit the entire nozzle to be slid from the rear forwardly through the space between the tubular member 10 and the member 20 so that the nozzle may be inserted into the tubular member.

The lower peripheral portion 24 of the tubular member 10 is cut so that it extends in substantially the same plane throughout the entire length of its peripheral portion. The purpose of so forming the lower peripheral portion is to enable the entire lower edge-t0 be placed upon a flat surface to be cleaned and to thereby build up a back pressure within the tubular member 10 when the valve arm 23 is in open position to permit the Water to pass through the nozzle.

Mounted within the groove 15 and secured thereby to the lower portion 14 of the inner wall of the tubular member 10 is a plate or panel member 25. This plate member extends across the interior of the tubular member 10 and has a centrally disposed opening 26 formed therein. This opening is positioned so as to be directly below the outlet 12 of the spray nozzle N and the portions of the plate 27 which define the opening 26 extend upwardly and abut against the material of the inner wall which lies closely adjacent to and around the spray mechanism 13. By so forming the plate 25 an annular chamber 28 is formed, this chamber extending around the discharge outlet of the nozzle N and being adapted to retain a liquid detergent therewithin.

Secured to the under surface of the plate 25 is a brush indicated generally as 29. This brush 'is annular in shape and is mounted within an annular channel member 39 which in turn is rigidly secured to the under side of the plate 25 in any suitable manner. The spray of water discharged through the discharge outlet 12 is therefore delivered centrally of the brush. The brush itself has a plurality of relatively flexible bristles 31 which are capable of being pressed upwardly to a position within the confines of the lower peripheral portion of the tubular element 10.

A second embodiment of my invention is shown in Figs. 5 and 6 and resembles in many respects the'embodiment shown in Figs. 14. No filler opening'is provided but the tubular member in other respects is made very similar with the exception of the portions to which additional numerals have been applied. The distinction between this embodiment and the embodiment shown in Figs. 14 is that this particular embodiment shown is ber 28 and mix with the water.

adapted for use with a dry detergent formed in a shape somewhat resembling a doughnut. The tubular member 10, however, is provided with a plurality of inwardly extending ears 33 which are positioned slightly, below the shoulder 32. These ears are adapted to retain a readily removable plate 34 which is shaped somewhat similarly to the plate 25 but has a cross member 35 extending across its central opening 36. The plate member 34 also has a plurality of inwardly extending peripheral recesses 37, these recesses beingof sufficient size and being positioned so, that when they are moved to a position opposite the cars 33 theplate maybe moved inwardly and then turned by the member 35 so that the ears 33 will retain the plate. This position is best shown in Fig. 6. Prior to inserting the plate'34 a doughnut shaped dry detergent 38 is placed within the annular chamber 39. Mounted upon the lower surface of the plate 34 is a brush indicated generally as 40, this brush being annular in shape and mounted within a channel member 41 which is secured to the plate member inany suitable'manner. The bristles 42 of the brush are flexible similarly to those shown in Figs. l'4.

In the use of the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-4, the chamber 28 is filled with a liquid detergent through the filler opening 17. After this has been done the device is ready to cleanse any surface desired. It is especially well-adapted for cleansing articles such as dishes wherein a fiat surfaceis provided. When the arm 23 of the nozzle is depressed the water, of course, is discharged rapidly through the discharge outlet 12 in its usual spray. The plate member 25 is so formed and so positioned that no interference whatsoever with the shape of the spray is caused. Likewise the brush does not interfere with the direction orforce of the spray of water. The brush 29 ,may be used to dislodge'picces of food and the like from the surface to be cleaned and whenever aquantity of detergent is desired to be mixed with the water the user merely presses downwardly sufliciently heavily to cause the bristles 31 of the brush 29* to:move upwardly to a position within the confines of the lower portion of the tubular member 10. This will cause the lower peripheral portion 24 of the tubular member to rest flatly upon the surface and thereby build up a back pressure within the lower portions of the tubular member. This back pressure will cause the resilient material immediately above the plate 25 and immediately surrounding the spray mechanism .13 to move slightly away from the plate member25 .in order to, equalize the pressure within the chamber28 with that below the plate member 25. When the peripheral portions 24 are lifted slightly to, permit the pressure below the plate 25 tobe reduced, the pressure within the chamber 28 will force the resilient material away from the plate 25 and carry some of the detergent outwardly along with the air moving outwardly'to equalize the pressure. Thus, the equalization of pressure causes someof the detergent to pass outwardly from the cham- I have found that the eifectzof the back pressure built up in this manner within the tubular member 10 is sutiicient to each time cause a small amountof the detergentto mix with the water as it is sprayed through the discharge outlet 12. Whenever alesser amount or no detergent at all is desired the pres sureexerted upon the nozzle is decreased so that no substantial back pressure is created. When it is desired to merely rinse the dish the entire device is maintained in spaced relation to the dish andthe full force and effect of the spray of water may be attained for that purpose. By holding the spray guard and its brush a short distance from the plate no splashing is experienced.

Thus, it can be seen that the entire dish washing operation is facilitated through the use of this spray guard. The user, by merely regulating the extent of the pressure which he exerts upon the-device, can readily regulate the Y 4 may cling to the surface of the plate. This is especially helpful when the food has started to dry upon the plates and thus offers a great deal more resistance to being removed therefrom.

The embodiment shown in Figs. 5 and 6 utilizes the same back pressure principle but is adapted for the use of a dry detergent. The back pressure caused by pressing the bristles sufficiently hard to move them upwardly within the confines of the tubular member causes water to flow through the chamber 39 in the same manner as described above with the embodiment shown in Figs. l-4. In other words, the pressure built up below the plate .34 will be greater than the pressure thereof and it will cause the resilient material abutting the same to move away therefrom to permit the pressure within the chamber 39 to equalize. At least some water will be carried into this chamber. When the pressure is released, some of the water within the chamber will move outwardly and carry some dissolved detergent with it. In addition, some of the water is forced through the recesses 37 of the plate member 34 and into the chamber 39 by this back pressure. When the pressure is released, this water moves outwardly again through these recesses, carrying dissolved detergent with it.

Thus, it can be seen that I have provided a novel and improved guard for sink spray nozzles which automatically and slowly furnishes a supply of detergent to the interior of the guard for mixing with the water discharged from the nozzle when a given amount of pressure is applied thereto. It can be readily seen that the nozzle is equally convenient in providing a supply of water with detergent mixed th'erewithin or in providing a supply of water completely free of detergent for rinsing purposes. It should be noted that the brush which is provided for use in combination with the liquid supplying structure is strategically placed so that it is never in the way of the user and yet is always readily available for use when desired. At the same time, the brush and the liquidcontaining structure does not interfere with the flow or effect of the spray of water discharged by the nozzle.

It will, of course, be understood that various changes may be made in the form, details, arrangement and proportions of the various parts without departing from the scope of my invention.

What I claim is:

l. A spray guard for use in conjunction with a spray nozzle in the cleaning of surfaces comprising a tubular member formed of a resilient, water-resistant material and adapted to be connected to the nozzle in close-fitting surrounding relation and having an upper imperforate inner wall portion which fits snugly around the nozzle downwardly to a point adjacent its outlet and then extends substantially outwardly upwardly and downwardly again and a lower inner wall portion which extends downwardly and outwardlyto a level below the outlet, the lower peripheral edge of said tubular member extending in substantially the same plane throughout its entire length to permit the same to be placed upon a fiat surface in registering relation throughout its length, a panel member extending transversely across the interior of said member and secured to the lower inner wall portion, said panel member having a centrally disposed relatively large opening formed therethrough directly below the outlet of the nozzle and being otherwise imperforate, the portion of said panel member defining said opening projecting upwardly above the general plane of said panelmember and abutting againstthe material of the upper inner wall portion which fits snugly around the nozzle adjacent its outlet to form-an annular chamber therearound in conjunction with' said outwardly and downwardly extending portion of said upper inner wall portion, said upper inner wall portionbeing constructed and arranged to permit the material abutting against said panel member-around its opening to be moved away therefrom, said chamber being adapted to contain detergent therewithin whereby a portion of such detergent may be mixed with the water as it passes through the nozzle and said spray guard as a result of back pressure formed within the spray guard when the water is turned on and the lower peripheral edge of the guard registers with the surface to be cleaned, the back pressure being sufiicient to cause the material abutting against said panel member around its opening to move slightly away therefrom and upon release of the back pressure the increased pressure within said detergent chamber being suflicient to cause the material abutting against such panel'member to move away therefrom.

2. A spray guard for use in conjunction with a spray nozzle in the cleaning of surfaces having in combination a tubular member formed of resilient, water-resistant material and adapted to be connected to the nozzle in closefitting surrounding relation and having an upper imperforate inner wall portion which fits snugly around the nozzle downwardly to a point adjacent its outlet and then extends first upwardly and then downwardly again, and a lower inner wall portion which extends downwardly and outwardly to a level below the outlet, a panel member extending transversely across the interior of said tubular member and secured to said lower inner wall portion, said panel member having a centrally disposed opening formed therethrough directly below the outlet of the nozzle and being otherwise imperforate, the portions of said panel member defining said opening abutting against the material of the upper inner wall portion which fits snugly around the nozzle adjacent its outlet to form an annular chamber therearound in conjunction with the said upwardly extending and then downwardly extending portions of said upper inner wall portion, said chamber being adapted to contain detergent therewithin, and a brush mounted on said panel member and extending downwardly therefrom at least partially within the confines of said tubular member and adapted to facilitate the cleansing operation in cooperation with the flow of water and detergent mixed therein.

3. A spray guard for use in conjunction with a spray nozzle in the cleaning of surfaces having in combination a tubular member formed of resilient, water-resistant ma terial and adapted to be connected to the nozzle in closefitting surrounding relation and having an upper imper forate inner wall portion which fits snugly around the nozzle downwardly to a point adjacent its outlet and then extends upwardly and then downwardly again and a lower inner wall portion which extends downwardly and outwardly to a level below the outlet, the lower peripheral edge of said tubular member extending in substantially the same plane throughout its length to permit the same to be placed upon a flat surface in registering relation throughout its length, a panel member extending transversely across the interior of said tubular member and secured to the lower inner wall portion, said panel member having a centrally disposed opening formed therethrough directly below the outlet of the nozzle and being otherwise imperforate, the portions of said panel member defining said opening abutting from below against the material of the upper inner wall portion which fits snugly around the nozzle adjacent its outlet to form an annular I chamber therearound in conjunction with the said upwardly extending and then downwardly extending portions of said upper inner wall portion, said chamber being adapted to contain detergents therewithin, and a brush mounted on said panel member and extending downwardly therefrom partially within and partially without the confines of said tubular member and adapted to facilitate the cleansing operation in cooperation with the flow of water.

4. A spray guard for use inconjunction with a spray nozzle in the cleaning of surfaces having in combination a tubular member formed of resilient, water-resistant material and adapted to be connected to the nozzle in closefitting surrounding relation and having an upper imperforate inner wall portion which fits snugly around the nozzle downwardly to a point adjacent its outlet and then extends outwardly upwardly and downwardly again and a lower inner wall portion which extends downwardly to a level below the outlet, a plate extending transversely across the interior of said tubular member at a level below the outlet of the nozzle and secured to the lower inner wall portion, said plate having a centrally disposed opening formed therethrough directly below the outlet of the nozzle and being otherwise imperforate, the portions of said plate defining said opening constituting a raised annular section extending upwardly and abutting against the material of the upper inner wall portion which fits snugly around the nozzle adjacent its outlet to form an annular chamber therearound in conjunction with the outwardly and downwardly extending portion of said upper inner wall portion, said upper inner wall portion be ing constructed and arranged to permit the material abutting against the plate around its opening to be moved away therefrom, said chamber being adapted to contain detergent therewithin, and a brush mounted on said plate and extending downwardly therefrom to a level slightly below the lower peripheral edge of said tubular member to facilitate the cleansing operation.

5. A spray guard for use in conjunction with a spray nozzle in the cleansing of surfaces having in combination a tubular member formed of resilient, water-resistant material and adapted to be connected to the nozzle in closefitting surrounding relation and having an upper imperforate inner wall portion which fits snugly around the nozzle downwardly to a point adjacent its outlet and then extends outwardly upwardly and downwardly again and a lower inner wall portion which extends downwardly and outwardly to a level below the outlet, the lower peripheral portion of said tubular member extending in substantially the same plane throughout its length to permit the same to be placed upon a flat surface in registering relation therewith throughout its length, said lower inner wall portion having an annular groove formed therearound-at a level below the outlet of the nozzle, a plate extending transversely across the interior of said tubular member and secured within said groove in saidinner wall, said plate having a centrally disposed opening formed therethrough directly below the outlet of the nozzle and being otherwise imperforate, the portions of said plate defining said opening being a raised annular section and abutting against the material of the upper inner'wall portion which fits snugly around the nozzle adjacent its outlet to form an annular chamber therearound in conjunction with the outwardly and downwardly extending portion of said upper inner wall portion, said upper inner wall portion being constructed and arranged to permit the material abutting against said plate around its opening to be moved away therefrom, said chamber being adapted to contain detergent therewithin, and a brush having flexible bristles mounted on said plate and extending downwardly therefrom to a level slightly below the lower peripheral portions of said tubular member to facilitate the cleansing operation, the bristles of said brush being yieldable to a position within the lower peripheral portions of said tubular member whereby a back pressure may be built up within the interior of said tubular member simultaneous with the flow of water thereinto and the cleansing operation of the bristles.

6. A spray guard for use in conjunction with a spray nozzle in the cleansing of surfaces comprising a tubular member formed of resilient, water-resistant material and adapted to be connected to the nozzle in close-fitting surrounding relation and having an upper imperforate inner wall portion which fits snugly around the nozzle downwardly to a point adjacent its outlet and then extends outwardly upwardly and downwardly again and a lower inner wall portion which extends downwardly to a level below the outlet, the lower peripheral portion of said tubular member extending in substantially the same plane throughout its length, a plurality of engaging elements carried by said lower inner wall portion at its inner surface and adapted to cooperatively engage a plate, aplate extending transversely across the interior of said tubular memberand secured to its lower inner wall portion by said engaging elements, said plate having a centrally disposed opening formed therethrough directly below the outlet of the nozzleand being otherwise imperforate, the portions of said platedefining said opening constituting araised annular section and abutting against the material of the upper inner wall portion which fits snugly around the nozzle adjacent its outlet to form an annular chamber therearound in conjunction with the outwardly and downwardly extending portion of said upper inner wall portion, said upper innerv wall portion being constructed and arranged to permit the material abutting against said plate around its opening to be moved away therefrom, said chamber being adapted to contain detergent therewithin, and a brush mounted on said plate and extending downwardly therefrom to facilitate the cleaning operation, said brush having flexible bristles capable of being flexed to a position entirely within the confines of said lower peripheral portion of said tubular member.

7. A spray guard for use in conjunction with a spray nozzle in the cleaning of surfaces having in combination a tubular memberformed of resilient, water-resistant material and adapted to be connected to the nozzle in closefitting surrounding relation and having an upper imperforate inner wall portion which fits snugly around the nozzle downwardly to a point adjacent its outlet and then extends outwardly upwardly and downwardly again and a lower inner wall portion which extends downwardly and outwardly to a level below the outlet, the lower peripheral edge of said tubular member extending in substantially the same plane throughout its entire length to permit the same to be placed upon a flat surface in registering relation throughout its length, a panel member extending transversely across the interior of said tubular member and secured to its lower inner wall portion, said panel member having a centrally disposed opening formed therethrough directly below the outlet of the nozzle and being otherwise imperforate, the portions of said panel member defining said opening extending upwardly to a level above the general plane of said panel member and being annular in shape and abutting against the material of said upper inner wall portion which fits snugly around the nozzle adjacent its outlet to form an annular chamber therearound in conjunction with said outwardly and then downwardly extending portion of said upper inner wall portion; said chamber being adapted to receive and hold a dry detergent therein, said upper inner wall portion being constructed and arranged to permit the material abutting against said panel member around its opening to be moved away therefrom, said panel member having a plurality of recesses formed in its circumferential portions to permit a slight flow of water to be forced within said chamber to dissolve some of such a dry detergent and carry the same out of said chamber into the water outi 8 side of the chamber, and a brush mounted on said panel member and extending downwardly therefrom to a level slightly below the lower peripheral portions of said tubular member to facilitate the cleansing operation.

8. A spray guard for use in conjunction with a spray nozzle in the cleansing of surfaces having in combination a tubular member formed of resilient, water-resistant material and adapted to be connected to the nozzle in closefitting surrounding relation and having an upper imperforate inner wall portion which fits snugly around the nozzle downwardly to a point adjacent its outlet and then extends outwardly upwardly and downwardly again and a lower inner wall portion which extends downwardly and outwardly to a level below the outlet, the lower peripheral portions of said tubular member extending in substantially the same plane throughout its length to permit the same to be placed upon a fiat surface in registering relation throughout its length, a plate member extending transversely across the interior of said tubular member and secured to said lower inner wall portion, said plate member having a centrally disposed opening formed therethr ough directly below the outlet of the nozzle and being otherwise imperforate, the portions of said plate member defining said opening extending upwardly to a level above the general plane of said plate member and being annular in shape and abutting against the material of said upper inner wall portion which fits snugly around the nozzle adjacent its outlet to form an annular chamber therearound in conjunction with said outwardly and then downwardly extending portion of said upper inner wall portion, said upper inner wall portion being constructed and arranged to permit the material abutting against said plate member around its opening to be moved away therefrom, said chamber being adapted to contain detergent therewithin, and a brush mounted on said plate member and having bristles extending downwardly therefrom to a level slightly below the lower peripheral portions of said tubular member, said bristles being yieldable in nature to permit the same to be forced upwardly within the confines of the lower peripheral portions of said tubular member whereby a combinative cleansing action may be accomplished through the combined effect of the abrasive nature of the bristles, the flow of water, and the release of a quantity of the detergent within the water.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,27s;22s Schamberg Sept. 10, 1918 1,868,893 Gentle m July 26, 1932 2,210,846 Aghnides Aug. 6, 1940 2,602,698 Wyckoff July 8, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS 26,605 Sweden Mar. 27, 1909 

